Quick answer: As of 2026, living in Nairobi costs approximately $758 per month for one person including rent. That is 53% below the $1,620 global median across the 340 cities in the Voyica Cost of Living Index 2026. Against its own region, where the median is $861, Nairobi is cheaper than typical for Africa. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $436 per month, or $212 outside the centre. Housing therefore accounts for about 28% of a single person's total monthly cost here. A family of four should budget around $2,017 per month excluding rent. Day to day, an inexpensive restaurant meal runs about $5.43 and a monthly transit pass $31. For anyone weighing a longer stay, median internet speed is 16 Mbps and Nairobi scores 36/100 on safety (below average on safety), and Kenya offers a digital nomad visa. Actual costs vary with lifestyle, neighbourhood, and exchange rates; figures come from crowd-sourced price data last refreshed June 2026. See the full Cost of Living Index →
Nairobi is a city in Kenya, where a single person can expect to spend about $758 per month including rent, food, and local transport. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $436 per month, or $212 outside the centre. Internet is slow at around 16 Mbps median download speed, and Kenya offers a digital nomad visa. On safety, Nairobi scores 36/100 — below average on safety for residents and visitors. Expect summer highs near 79°F and winter highs around 74°F, with roughly 359 sunny days a year.
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A single person should budget around $758 per month in Nairobi, covering rent, groceries, transport, and basic lifestyle costs. A family of four typically needs about $2,017 per month excluding rent.
How much is rent in Nairobi?
A one-bedroom apartment in central Nairobi averages $436 per month, dropping to about $212 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,136.
Is Nairobi safe?
Nairobi scores 36/100 on safety, which is below average on safety. Tourist safety is rated 40/100.
How fast is the internet in Nairobi?
Median download speeds in Nairobi are around 16 Mbps — slow for remote work and video calls. There are roughly 25 coworking spaces in the city.
Does Kenya offer a digital nomad visa?
Yes — Kenya offers a digital nomad visa. US passport holders should check current entry requirements before traveling.
What is the weather like in Nairobi?
Nairobi sees summer highs around 79°F and winter highs near 74°F, with about 359 sunny days and 146 rainy days per year.
